Meet The Sophomore Candidates – 2018 Council Elections

It’s election season! On Tuesday, May 8, Hanover High School students and faculty will choose who shall represent on Council for the 2018-2019 school year. The polling station, which will be located in the Atrium (across the hallway from the Media Center), will open at 7:30am and will remain open until 2:30pm. All voters will be allowed to choose 11 candidates at most from the ballot, including candidates from any class or the staff. The 12 candidates with the most votes at the end of the day will become at-large representatives; once the at-large candidates have been designated, each class will receive 5 regular representatives and 1 alternate representative. It remains to be seen what will become of the staff will do since not enough candidates have run to fill all of the staff seats on Council. Elections for next year’s freshmen class (the class of 2022) will be held decided solely by the current 8th grade students at the Richmond Middle School, while new-and-tuition student representatives will be voted on in September.

This specific page is devoted to tracking candidates running from the class of 2020. They are currently sophomores and will be juniors next year. A Broadside reporter contacted each candidate by e-mail and asked them a series of questions. Here is what each student had to say. Candidates whose names were denoted with asterisks (*) have served on Council during the current school year.

Other segments in the “Meet The Candidates” series for the 2018 election can be found at http://broadside.dresden.us/?tag=2018-council-election.

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DANIEL BANDLER:

Why are you running for Council?

A couple weeks ago I heard a couple of Council members talking about the elections. I won’t say who they were, but one was a member of leadership and the other a sophomore. The leader told the sophomore that she should only vote for people that were already on Council, and no one else. To me this is the perfect representation of bigger issues in Council that I believe that I can fix. It seems like Council has drifted too far from the student body, and isn’t really representing it anymore. On the controversial issues, Council often votes contrary to the public opinion. Despite what we learned in Civitas, Hanover is not currently a fully democratic school. A truly democratic school would not have members of government conspiring to rig the election and block people who aren’t “one of them”. Council representatives should be agents of the people; therefore they should consider what the people want. Eventually, at some point down the road, I want to implement a form of direct democracy where the school can use technology to vote on referendums of controversial issues, so the people will be able to actually get what the people want.

Luckily, this is a problem that can be fixed. I strongly believe in democracy, including that of the school. What I hope to become is an instrument of the grade, utilizing a form of semi-direct democracy through polls and keeping the public informed through a blog that I have created. The URL is https://danielforcouncil.weebly.com/. My goal is to keep the public informed, and to serve their will. Council also needs to take a look at decisions it has made in the past couple of years that greatly influence student life, such as the community service motion. I believe that that decision was made hastily without stopping to think about what the people who this was affecting wanted, so it merits further scrutiny.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

If I am elected to Council, my agenda lies not just in trying to repair the cultural divide but also encompasses several other points.  I think that issues such as community service deserve to be revisited, less because of their contents, but more due to the fact that it was hastily passed without public support. March Intensive does have problems, and they should be fixed, but the way to fix it is not getting rid of the full program. For other issues, the best thing that a legislature can do is nothing. There is no reason we should be spending hours discussing the ethics of today’s youth exposing their lewd body parts such as belly buttons (how horrible!) to the world, or seeking legislative achievements that we can brag about during our college essays. If it isn’t being done to improve student life or to help the community, and rather due to selfish or frivolous reasons, it shouldn’t be done. 

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I operate on the premise that if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it, and if it is broke, try fixing it before you send it out with the trash.

ANDREW CHEN:

Andrew (right) with his brother Charles.

Why are you running for Council?

I think that our school’s Council is something really special. Unlike at most schools, HHS students can actually decide on issues other than just superficial things like the themes of school dances. However, like any of the other candidates who aren’t trying to get reelected, I’m not running because I think Council is perfect. I’m running because I think Council can be improved and that I could help improve it.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

I want to make Council and the decisions it makes representative of what the school actually wants. On many issues, Council does its own thing even though most students disagree. For example, from what class Facebook page polls show, most students didn’t support the Service Motion, yet somehow it passed 38 to 0 in Council.

This brings me to my main goal: to repeal and replace the Community Service Graduation Motion, which could go into effect in the fall next year. Last year, I was astonished that it somehow passed, and I was even more astonished to hear that if you didn’t meet the 10 hour per year requirement, you wouldn’t be allowed to graduate. Furthermore, all 10 of these hours have to be tracked by common ground teachers. So, instead of getting students motivated to do community service on their own or encouraging a meaningful discussion about community service, the Community Service Graduation Requirement Motion Council makes volunteering into something mandatory for students and puts a burden on common ground teachers to have to chase down students for their 10 hours.

Instead of hanging a graduation requirement over our heads or miring us in the bureaucracy of tracking hours and getting pre-approval forms like our actual government does, our school government should work to promote community service through encouragement and keep volunteering voluntary.

In order to create long-lasting change beyond just the ten-hour requirement and nurture students’ hearts, minds, and voices to become service-oriented young adults, Council should focus instead on getting students motivated to do service on their own and make service something that students want to do, not something they have to do.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

First, I prioritize what everyone thinks, so I will ask others what they think about any motions and only support what everyone supports. I’ve participated in Model UN, so I’m pretty familiar with parliamentary procedure. Also, I’m a Boy Scout, so Scout’s Honor on everything I said.

WILL FICHMAN:

Why are you running for Council?

I am running for council to be able to share my opinion and make a difference within the school. During my first two years at HHS, I have not participated in student government, and felt disconnected from the policies being made in council that would ultimately effect myself. I would like to represent my peers and what they want, to help close the gap between council, and the majority of students.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

If elected to council I would like to work on the standardization of X periods, as well as working to make the school schedule as stress-free and effective as possible.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

ALICE GARNER*:

Why are you running for Council?

I am running for Council this year, because I enjoy representing the class, and I think it is very important for all voices of Hanover High School students to be heard in Council. I love listening to different motions, and reaching out to the greater student body to hear your opinions. As an active member of the Student Life committee on Council since freshman year, I hope to lead the group next year to work with the Cafeteria to make the food at our school better.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

My two main goals for Council next year are to improve the food quality at the Cafeteria and to build a stronger and more cohesive community within our school. Last year, the members of Student Life visited Souhegan High School in Amherst, NH, and this year we visited Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, VT. We observed their differences, their strengths, and weaknesses, and we hope to improve student life from learning from other schools.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I’m a very outgoing and approachable person. I love to talk to people and take their ideas to Council. I am a year-round athlete and musician, and I understand the struggle of balancing homework and extracurricular activities. If I am re-elected, I will work hard to improve the Cafeteria food, make the community a stronger, less-stressful body, and represent all of your voices in Council!

LAUREN ILSLEY*:

Ms. Ilsley did not respond to multiple requests for interview. She currently serves as an alternate for the class of 2020 and works on the Curriculum Committee. Her voting record for the 2017-2018 school year can be found at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-dKkt7iVriwpR9Mney651yv7pddjXgow8thE8SbgudA/edit#gid=0. In her speech, she mentioned that over the past year she has “discovered that Council’s problem was the overwhelming disconnect to the rest of our student body” and that she would “help the school stay up to date and present” with Council proceedings by weekly postings on class pages, which students could use as a forum for discussion. She closed by saying, “Help me help you.”

CLAY KYNOR*:

Clay Kynor is located on the far right side of the picture.

Why are you running for Council?

I am running for Council because I want to improve student life in the school.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

One of my many goals is to allow food in more school spaces. I think that the biggest problem at HHS that needs to be fixed is Council not representing the opinions of the masses and I would hope to change that if I was to be elected.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

Vote Clay for a bigger say and a better day!

ALEC MCDEVITT:

Why are you running for Council?

I wanted to try something new and student council seemed like a good opportunity.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

I have strong feelings about the community service motion that I would like to discuss, and I also am interested in the X period motion.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I have had jobs as a counselor at summer camps so I have some experience working in a setting where we try to help others by making the place around us (in this case the school) better for everyone.

SABIN MITCHELL*:

Ms. Sabin Mitchell did not respond to multiple requests for interview. She currently serves as a representative for the class of 2020 and works on the Organizational Engineering Committee (OEC). Her voting record for the 2017-2018 school year can be found at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-dKkt7iVriwpR9Mney651yv7pddjXgow8thE8SbgudA/edit#gid=0

SOPHIE MITCHELL*:

Why are you running for Council?

I am running for council because I’m really passionate about standing up for those who may not have a voice otherwise. I really enjoy the discussion and change our democratic schools values enforce. I also love the opportunities that Council brings, more specifically Council Committees.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I am not the perfect student nor person. Council is often thought as a group of people who are the best and brightest of HHS which leads to only certain values being represented. Knowing my flaws I know I am not the best and brightest of HHS which is why I believe that I would continue to bring a unique personality and views to Council. It is really important to me that my peers comfortable and having fun in our school and I feel like the only way to ensure that is if I am able to make the right and necessary changes to make our school a better place.

IAN NOLON*:

Why are you running for Council?

I’m running for Council because I feel that my two years of experience on Council has helped me become a better representative to everybody. I am very invested in our school’s democracy, and I plan on going to every Council meeting even if I don’t get re-elected.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

I hope to accomplish many things in Council if I get reelected. First, I plan on creating a motion that will give students the option to go tech-free in classes, a motion that I think will greatly increase productivity in the school. This tech-free alternative would be only by the student’s choice, but it would make the students who chose to go tech-free be much more productive. I also plan on letting the student body learn how to create a motion for themselves, if they have an idea that they want to introduce. This would be accomplished by having one day in Common Ground where a short video, no more than five minutes, would be shown to the whole student body in order to let everybody know how they can make an impact on our school, especially if they’re not already a Council representative.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I think that I have accomplished a lot in my two years as a Council representative. For starters, I have been on the Curriculum Committee for two years, and I plan on running for Chair next year. My experience in the committee makes me a favorite for next year’s chair already. I also report to two Common Grounds, and this has opened me up to many student opinions on the motions that we are discussing in Council, and I am then able to take those ideas back into Council discussions and integrate student opinions into our meetings.

I think I would be a good representative for Council because I have already proven that I am a good representative twice. I am an active member of both the Council and my committee, and I am not afraid to voice my opinions on behalf of the student body. I truly think that reelecting me for a third term would be beneficial to the whole student body because of the many changes I plan to implement and because of my two years of experience on Council. If you reelect me, I will take it as a sign to work harder than ever to change our school to become a better and more efficient place than ever before.

JOEY PERRAS*:

Why are you running for Council?

I’m running for council because I believe in strong representation of our student body. I also hope to establish a stronger bond and trust between council and the student body, as well as make sure everyone in our community is aware of moves being made in council. It’s also really fun.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

Again, working on better communication between the body and council will be key this coming year. If re-elected, I’d like to have good conversations with peers about any strong feelings they might have regarding any motions brought to the council.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I think I’ve been a good representative of the needs of not only the sophomore class, but the school as a whole. Something I’ll look to improve on is facilitating beneficial motions on behalf of students at HHS. 

I’ve served as a council rep in both my freshman and sophomore years, and I think returning to the council junior year would benefit all, as experience in the council usually results in active participation and efficiency.

TREVOR SIEGEL:

Why are you running for Council?

I am running for council because I am tired of the way we, the students, are being treated as if we are not able to have a valuable input. It seems like the current council does not care about the perspective of the students, the people they are supposed to be representing. We need more balance between the council’s voice and the voice of the students.  

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

I hope to create a true balance between what the administration has power over and what the students have power over. Equality of power is the only way both sides can function confidently and contently.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I have always had an interest in politics, and I am experienced with working in a council-like environment. I try to be friendly with everyone and I will always try to help someone who needs it. I care about each individual person, and I believe that each voice deserves to be heard.

TESSA STEWART*:

Why are you running for Council?

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I believe I’d make a good representative on council again because I’d represent my classmates as best I can, and continue to advocate for Winter Carnival and March Intensive as they’ve received some push back in the past couple years. I also feel strongly that I can represent many different people in our grade, as I am involved in a variety of different activities with a variety of people. Thank you for your support!!

STEPHEN WANG*:

Why are you running for Council?

Council is a democratic avenue in our school unlike any other. In most schools, the student government does the equivalent of what our class committees do. But in our school, the format of its Council is more efficient and can actually push for meaningful change. This is why I want to embrace this opportunity to represent my class in channeling our ideas and be someone that makes those things a reality.  

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

If I am re-elected to Council, I first want to make its inner-workings more transparent. I think this problem is urgent because it has lasted many years. The student body seems like an uninformed majority separated from Council, and I think reform would be more meaningful with everyone on the same page. I also want to find ways to promote our school’s health and wellness, especially during flu season. Making sure that students stay healthy during peak sickness periods ensures that they will function best in the school environment. I will promote this idea on my Facebook group so that I can receive some input from students.  

This year, I advocated for the standardization of X-periods since I received many requests. I’ve brought to the table a small exam discussion in which I might segue into a new way of rethinking exams. I think something I could improve on is to be more outspoken about issues since a passionate opinion can drive a debate forward.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

I am a good representative because I am proactive, conscientious, and organized. I am usually on top of things and hope to reach out to people for all the concerns they have about our school.

JUSTIN ZHOU*:

Why are you running for Council?

I believe it is the duty of a Council member to represent the voice of the student body. I will listen to anyone who has an opinion to share and wants to be heard. I am running for Council to represent the student body and make sure that everyone has a say. I also am eager to organize events that the student body can enjoy. I want to help organize and participate in funding for events. I want strongly to serve the community and the school.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in Council this year if elected, and how? Alternatively, what is the biggest problem that you think needs to be fixed at HHS, and what should Council do about it?

In the past two years, in Council, I was a part of the Curriculum Committee. In the committee we worked on ways to improve the curriculum at Hanover High School. If I were elected to Council, I would continue to improve upon the curriculum by conducting surveys and addressing concerns of the students. In addition, I will create a more effective bridge between Council and the body. I would like the student body to be updated by what Council does, so that there is more communication between the two.

Policies aside, why do you think you would be a good representative on Council?

You should vote for me because I am always eager to resolve issues facing the school. I will dedicate my time to help make the school even better for the students. Also, I have experience in Council, which can be very useful. I am in Council this current year, and I have worked in Council at the middle school too. I have also volunteered during the 2016 presidential election. I talked to voters face-to-face about issues they were concerned with. I am open to new ideas, and I will work hard to help all students at Hanover High School. Trust in Justin.